NAFLD occurs when fat builds up in the liver and occurs in people who drink little to no alcohol. Instead of alcohol, the excess fat stored in the liver is often due to excess body weight, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or excessive perceived factors.
Symptoms of NAFLD
For many suffering from NAFLD, the condition can often go unnoticed, exhibiting no symptoms or signs of a more significant problem happening within the liver.
When symptoms appear, it is easy to disregard them as minor inconveniences. Fatigue, feeling unwell, and pain or discomfort in the upper right belly are common signs of NAFLD in its early stages.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Stages
There are four stages of NAFLD: steatosis, NASH, fibrosis, and cirrhosis.
Steatosis, or simple fatty liver, occurs when the liver is just beginning to build up excess fat. At this early stage, no inflammation or scarring is present, which means no symptoms to make you aware of fatty liver development.
NASH is considered the more severe stage of NAFLD. At this stage, the buildup of fat has caused inflammation in the liver. As the liver works to repair the damaged tissue, it may be unable to keep up with demand, resulting in the third stage of NAFLD: fibrosis.
Fibrosis occurs when the liver fails to repair damaged scar tissue quickly, leaving behind a scar. While the liver can still function at this stage, if the scar tissue starts to replace a majority of the normal liver tissue, cirrhosis may develop.
Cirrhosis is the fourth and final stage in NAFLD and the most severe. At this stage, the liver stops functioning properly, and symptoms appear. While the cause of the liver damage can be removed to prevent any further progression, the damage to the liver is done.
Can Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Be Reversed?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of obesity in adults was 40.3% between 2021 and 2023.
As obesity continues to rise on both a national and global scale, the risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is not far behind. NAFLD is the most common form of liver disease in the world and is most often seen in those who are overweight or obese.
NAFLD can range in severity, with the potential to develop into a more severe form of the disease called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH. For those suffering from NASH, the condition can lead to permanent scarring of the liver or even cancer.
While NAFLD is often seen in those suffering from obesity, it is not the only risk factor associated with this condition. We’ve created a comprehensive guide to NAFLD, from symptoms to stages to reversal (is it possible?) and how a whole-body MRI scan can help.
Is Fatty Liver Hereditary? A Closer Look at Risk Factors and Causes
Various diseases and health concerns can increase your risk of developing NAFLD. Risk factors for the liver condition may include:
- Insulin resistance
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypopituitarism
- High cholesterol
Within this list, studies have shown that the risk of NAFLD increases for individuals with a family history of liver disease. While this suggests that genetic factors play a role, experts still don’t fully understand why fat builds up in some livers and not others or why NAFLD progresses to NASH for some and not for others.
Can Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Be Reversed? Understanding the Importance of an MRI of the Liver
In its early stages, NAFLD often presents no symptoms, making it impossible to test if you aren’t already searching for it, but that is where a full-body MRI can help.
At MRI Wellness, our scanners can detect nearly 500 conditions across your 13 organ systems, including the liver. While an MRI can’t tell the difference between the stages of NAFLD, it can spot mild forms of liver fibrosis and other concerns that may indicate the onset of liver damage.
Those with a family history of the disease or who present a high risk of its development may find success in undergoing a full-body MRI in Charleston, SC, and provide peace of mind for your future.
Don’t Let NAFLD Sneak Up on You – Seek Help From MRI Wellness
The benefits of a full-body MRI far outweigh any potential points of concern. At MRI Wellness, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to take a proactive approach to their health and wellness.
Our innovative MRI experience aims to deliver accuracy, speed, safety, and, above all, comfort. Our belief is that when you have all eyes on your health, you will find peace and confidence in the future.
With three options for MRI scans available, you can take the first step toward gaining a complete picture of your health.
Contact our team at MRI Wellness today, or schedule your scan now.
